While teaching together at Mumbai’s True School of Music, keyboardist Vyoma Shah and vocalist Medha Sahi realized that they both had similar music preferences. The pair are equally influenced by the likes of Norah Jones, John Mayer and Esperanza Spalding and decided to form an easy listening duo called Saltwater in 2017. Shah says, “Since we both wanted to foray into writing original music, we thought that it would be a good idea for us to work on it together.” Saltwater are now out with their tranquil debut single, “Stand Still.”

After spending months on end developing their sound, Shah and Sahi finally came to a middle ground that satisfied both of them. On their first release, “Stand Still,” the duo showcase skillful songwriting that features a beautiful keyboard arrangement layered over pleasant vocal parts that glide seamlessly throughout the song. “The vocal hook was the first part that was written and the rest of the song came from a burst of inspiration that followed,” says Shah. The track was penned at a moment when both musicians were going through changes in their lives. “It was a time of great uncertainty and we both identified with the desire to be steady amidst all the chaos,” the keyboardist explains.

“Stand Still” was recorded at Mumbai producer Ayan De’s Midicore Studio. “Ayan helped us arrange the song, gave it a direction and made it into what it is now,” says Shah. Saltwater intend on writing a lot more fresh material and want to keep their releases rolling out at a sound pace. The duo also plan on snagging a few gigs. Shah says, “We’re really hoping to do as many live sets as possible.”